See The Castle

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What To Do

Overview

The Castle

Perched 350 feet above the Cheshire Plain, Beeston Castle is a sight to behold. Offering some of the most dramatic views of any English castle, visitors can see as far as the Welsh mountains from the castle grounds on a clear day. Built in the 1220s by Ranulf, the 6th Earl of Chester, Beeston Castle has a tumultuous past. It was seized by Henry III, withstood an extended siege, and was partially demolished by the Royalists. Although Beeston Castle now stands in ruins, it attracts visitors far and wide, offering an opportunity to take a step back in time.

Highlights

Highlights include one of the deepest wells in England, which sits at the top of the castle ruins. Peer down into the well to search for Richard II’s long lost treasure, believed to have buried here in 1399. From here, make your way along the winding paths of the castle’s enchanted woodlands. Meander along the trails and take in the fresh air. Keep your eyes peeled for buzzards, foxes, rabbits and falcons, all of which call these woodlands your home. With 40 acres of woodland park surrounding the castle, you may just find yourself getting lost in nature and forgetting your troubles for a while.

Eating

Pack a lunch and extend your outdoor stay by dining outdoors at one of the many picnic tables on the castle grounds, or visit the Standstone Café, which offers outdoor seating. The castle’s café serves both hot and cold drinks as well as snacks.

Museum

Before departing, be sure to stop by the museum to learn more about the history of the castle, which dates back 4,000 years. From the Neolithic period to the Civil War, this museum and its artefacts offer an invaluable educational experience for adults and children alike.
With dramatic views, tranquil woodlands and the castle’s enchanting ruins, Beeston Castle offer something for everyone.

History of Beeston Castle

What is the story behind this incredible castle?

Standing 107 meters above the Cheshire Plain, Beeston Castle was once a royal castle. While it sits in ruins today, the property, open to the public, offers dramatic views and boasts a rich history that dates all the way back to Ranulf de Blondeville, the 6th Earl of Chester.

The castle may be in ruins today, but archaeologists have found evidence of human activity on the site that dates all the way back to the Neolithic period (between 3500 and 2000 BC). Evidence of burial mounds and funerary material from the Bronze Age have also been discovered in lower areas of the crag. The evidence suggests that the area may have been a significant site for rituals.

Other excavated objects, including crucibles and moulds used for smelting suggest that the castle site was once a hub for metalworking.

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Disclaimer

The website beestoncastle.com is an independent information website. This website is not affiliated with or managed by the owners or management of Beeston Castle heritage site and does not act as an official source of information. The website owner or administrator cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained herein. Information contained on this site reflects only the opinions of an independent party.